Chronic neck, back, or radiating nerve pain can make everyday activities feel impossible. When spinal nerves become irritated or inflamed, pain may travel into the arms, legs, shoulders, or hips — often causing burning, shooting, or aching discomfort that disrupts sleep, mobility, and quality of life.

An Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is one of the most effective minimally invasive treatments for this type of pain. At Genesis Wellness and Pain, ESIs are used to calm inflammation, reduce nerve irritation, and help patients return to normal movement with greater comfort.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An Epidural Steroid Injection delivers anti‑inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space, the area surrounding the spinal nerves. By placing medication close to the irritated nerve roots, ESIs help:

• Reduce inflammation
• Decrease swelling
• Calm nerve irritation
• Improve mobility
• Reduce radiating arm or leg pain

This targeted approach allows patients to experience relief without relying on long‑term oral medications or more invasive procedures.

Conditions Commonly Treated

ESIs are recommended for many spine‑related conditions, including:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Radiculopathy
• Pinched nerves
• Chronic neck or lower back pain
• Post‑surgical spine pain

These conditions often cause pain that travels into the arms or legs. ESIs help reduce the inflammation responsible for these symptoms.

How the Procedure Works

Epidural steroid injections are performed using fluoroscopy (live X‑ray) to ensure precise placement of medication near the affected nerve roots.

During the procedure:

• The treatment area is cleaned and numbed
• Imaging guidance is used to locate the correct epidural space
• A corticosteroid and local anesthetic are injected
• The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes

Because ESIs are minimally invasive, they are performed on an outpatient basis and require little downtime.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your ESI

Before the Procedure

Patients may be asked to:

• Avoid eating or drinking for a short period
• Temporarily stop certain medications
• Arrange transportation if sedation is used

During the Procedure

• The skin is numbed for comfort
• Imaging ensures accurate needle placement
• Medication is injected into the epidural space
• Most patients experience minimal discomfort

After the Procedure

• Patients are monitored briefly before going home
• Mild soreness at the injection site is normal
• Pain relief may begin within a few days
• Activity restrictions are usually minimal

Many patients experience significant improvement in mobility and daily comfort.

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

ESIs offer several advantages:

• Minimally invasive
• Non‑surgical pain relief
• Targets inflammation at the source
• May reduce the need for oral medications
• Improves daily function and mobility
• Can be combined with physical therapy

For many patients, ESIs provide the relief needed to resume normal activities or participate more fully in rehabilitation.

Epidural Steroid Injections vs. Traditional Steroid Injections

Although both treatments use anti‑inflammatory medication, they serve different purposes.

Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)

• Targets spinal nerves and the epidural space
• Treats neck, back, and radiating nerve pain
• Performed with fluoroscopic guidance
• Reduces inflammation around irritated nerve roots

Traditional Steroid Injection

• Targets joints, tendons, or soft tissues
• Treats localized pain (knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, wrists)
• May or may not require imaging
• Reduces inflammation in joints or soft tissues

Your providers determine which injection type is most appropriate based on symptoms, imaging, and diagnosis.

Is an Epidural Steroid Injection Right for You?

An ESI may be recommended if:

• Pain radiates into the arms or legs
• Conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief
• Imaging shows nerve compression or inflammation
• Pain interferes with daily activities or sleep
• You want a minimally invasive option before considering surgery

At Genesis Wellness and Pain, each patient receives a personalized evaluation to determine whether an ESI is the right next step.

Calm the Nerves

Epidural Steroid Injections offer a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to reduce spinal nerve inflammation and restore comfort. At Genesis Wellness and Pain, our team uses ESIs as part of a comprehensive, patient‑centered plan designed to help you move better, feel better, and live with less pain.